Local Empowered Cancer Survivor to Walk the Runway in St. Joseph Hospital’s Circles of Life Fashion Show

More than 850 guests will attend St. Joseph Hospital’s annual Circles of Life Fashion Show and Luncheon – and although the 25 models will be sporting the latest trends, this isn’t your typical fashion crowd. Each model has recently overcome, or is still overcoming, a brave and inspirational journey through cancer – and Sunday is their day to shine.

Cindy Bunn, a 48-year-old breast cancer survivor from San Juan Capistrano, will be among the models walking in the event. Since her treatment, which included a double mastectomy, she had reconstructive surgery that she says made her feel beautiful again. 

“My family and friends have blessed me with encouragement and it is my strong desire to be a blessing to other women who are battling cancer,” said Bunn. “Why endure the journey if you can’t encourage someone else on the other side of healing?”

Five months later and cancer free, Bunn will strut down the runway to raise money for The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at St. Joseph Hospital. The Center is the first-of-its-kind in Orange County and one of only a few in the nation offering the latest in preventative care, diagnostics, treatment and clinical trials.

Now in its 17th year, the Circles of Life Fashion Show and Luncheon has raised more than $1.1 million. This year’s show, themed “Triumph,” will be held at the Hilton Anaheim Sunday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fashion show will begin at 1:15 p.m.  

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize some of the amazing stories of survival from the patients we see at the Center every day,” said Jay Harness, DO, St. Joseph Hospital general and breast surgeon and chair of the fashion show. “These models are an inspiration to us all and provide much needed hope to everyone who has been affected by cancer.”

Although the fashion and fundraising make for an entertaining event, models agree that one of the most rewarding parts of the day is being able to show their loved ones – who saw them through their worst – what they look like at their best. 

For more information about the Circles of Life Fashion Show visit www.sjo.org/2013fashionshow. Tickets are available through Wednesday, June 5.